Portales School Bus Driver

Transportation Department

Summary:

A School Bus Driver is in charge of providing safe transport for school children based on a schedule and route. Their duties include helping students board the bus, learning which students take their route, and planning around traffic during trips.

The School Bus Driver must:

1. Pass a pre-employment drug test and additional random testing as needed.
2. Attend CPR and First Aid Course
3. Complete the fingerprint process for the criminal background check.
4. You must present a current CDL license with the following endorsements: (P) 16 or more passengers and (S) authorized to drive a school bus.
5. Satisfactory completion of annual school bus driver physical examination
6. Verification of the employee’s driving record through the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division semi-annually (January & August)
7. The School Bus Driver will be responsible for cleaning and inspecting the inside of their school bus.
8. The School Bus Driver is responsible for reporting maintenance issues on their bus to the School Bus Coordinator or his designee.
9. Within 30 days of a conviction for any traffic violation, except parking, a driver must notify his/her employer, regardless of the nature of the violation or the type of vehicle that was driven at the time.
10. If a driver's license is suspended, revoked, or canceled, or if he/she is disqualified from driving, his/her employer must be notified. The notification must be made by the end of the next business day following receipt of the suspension, revocation, cancellation, lost privilege, or disqualification notice.
11. Employers may not knowingly use a driver who has more than one license or whose license is suspended, revoked, canceled, or disqualified. Violation of this requirement may result in civil or criminal penalties.

Notification of previous employment:

All employers shall request, and all person's applying for employment as a school bus operator shall provide, employment history information for the 10 years before the application is submitted. The request shall be made at the time of application for employment.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

1. Work cooperatively with colleagues, supervisors, and administrators.
2. Demonstrate ethical behavior.
3. Verify permissions for children who ride home with friends.
4. Adhere to confidentiality laws and regulations.
5. Discipline children as needed to maintain a safe environment.
6. Support the philosophy and mission of the Portales Municipal Schools.
7. Respond to change productively and handle other tasks as assigned.
8. Be familiar with loading and unloading students at school and transporting students between schools.
9. Able to work during inclement weather
10. Must be flexible in work schedule.
11. Must be able to work with/without close supervision.
12. Be familiar with emergency evacuation procedures

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

Required to meet all state and local laws concerning speeding, parking, changing lanes, and general driving safety rules.

Keep to the assigned schedule and report any delays to the proper authorities.

Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections of each trip for mechanical and safety defects.

Notify the proper authority in case of mechanical failure or lateness.

Transport only authorized students, sponsors, and staff.

Check seats after each trip to monitor the condition of the bus interior.

Report all accidents and complete required reports.

Enforce regulations against smoking or drugs on the bus.

Qualifications:

1. High School Diploma/GED 

2. Hold a valid New Mexico CDL-Bus Driver's license or be able to obtain one. (The

District will train prospective employees to obtain a bus driver CDL.)

3. Clean driving record with no DUI/DWI convictions within past 10 years. 

Physical Requirements:

Be able to perform the following physical requirements: standing, sitting, lifting, reaching, bending, carrying, climbing, crawling, kneeling, stretching, pulling, pushing, tugging, mopping, sweeping and squatting.

Sedentary Up to 10 lbs occasionally & up to 5 lbs frequently

Walking or Standing only occasionally

Safety/Health and Other Requirements:

1. Knowledgeable of universe hygiene precautions
2. An FBI fingerprint background check will be conducted on all new hires of the Portales Municipal Schools. Continued employment will be contingent upon the results of the background check.
3. Must submit to a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening.
4. A driver's record will be completed prior to emplyment and annually thereafter. 

Equipment/Material Handled:

Must know how to properly operate or be willing to operate all equipment including current technology.

Work Environment:

Must be able to work within various degrees of noise, temperature, and air quality. 

Interruptions of work are routine. Flexibility and patience are required. Must be self-motivated and able to complete job assignments without direct supervision. 

Terms of Employment:

Salary and work year to be established by the Superintendent